Public forces council to rethink toilet near plaque

Authorities need to rethink the placement of the public toilet. Photo / Thinkstock

Public opposition has forced authorities to rethink plans for a public toilet and dog drinking-fountain in a prominent spot in Hamilton's Days Park.

The City Council received 53 submissions over plans to build the toilet by the paths near the Eric Day memorial stone. Twenty-three opposed the plan - including one with a petition of 64 signatures - saying it was a waste of money, would be an eyesore, and raising concerns around safety. Fourteen supported the plan but no one commented on the exact location.

The submissions have persuaded the council to look at moving the plan to nearby Swarbricks Landing.

Council wanted to build the facility, and a water fountain for dogs, because of the popularity of the area.

The council will be given the sign-off on the Swarbricks Landing location tomorrow, at a cost of $96,800. The council has budgeted $160,000 in the Long Term Plan.

Murray Day, whose father, Eric, donated a large part of the park to the council in 1957, was strongly against having a toilet near the memorial stone recognising his father. After years of discussion, the large Raglan rock was finally installed in 2010.

"The fact that my father gave it to the city ... I can't believe they would put [a toilet] within 10 metres of a plaque."

He was also baffled as to why a water fountain for dogs was needed so close to the Waikato River and when the council was trying to save money.